Codex guidelines on methods for detection, identification and quantification of specific DNA sequences and proteins in foods

During the 33rd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, that took place in Geneva, Switzerland on 5-9 July 2010, the Commission, inter alia, adopted 25 new or revised Codex standards or related texts or amendments to these texts, including Guidelines on performance criteria and validation of methods for detection, identification and quantification of specific DNA sequences and specific proteins in foods. The scope of these new guidelines is to provide information on criteria for the validation of food analysis methods involving the detection, identification and quantification of specific DNA sequences and specific proteins of interest that may be present in foods, including those foods containing materials derived from modern biotechnology. These molecular and immunological methods are applicable to a wide range of uses such as tests for biomarkers in foods, including those derived from modern biotechnology and food authentication, and may be used by laboratories responsible for food analysis. See the Commission report (document ALINORM 10/33/REP, in English and Spanish, with Arabic, Chinese and French to come) and the guidelines adopted (Appendix III in document ALINORM 10/33/23, in English, French and Spanish) at http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/archives.jsp?year=10 or contact codex@fao.org for further information.